Patents Assigned to QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies
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Publication number: 20130293556Abstract: Interferometric modulators may include a movable layer including both permanently anchored and programmable hinges. Unactuated programmable hinges may exert little or no force on the movable layer. When actuated, programmable hinges may exert a mechanical force on the movable layer in a direction approximately opposite to the direction of force exerted by the permanently anchored hinges. By increasing a voltage between the programmable hinges and an electrode, a progressive number of programmable hinges may be engaged. The mechanical force exerted on the movable layer by these hinges may change the relative position of the movable layer within an IMOD device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edward K. Chan, John H. Hong, Bing Wen
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Patent number: 8576148Abstract: An optical device suitable for forming a pixel in a video display. The optical device includes a first layer having a first refractive index; a second layer over the first layer, the second layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index; and a third layer over the second layer, the third layer having a third refractive index larger than the second refractive index; and a fourth layer that is at least partially optically absorptive, wherein the optical stack and the fourth layer are a first distance from one another when the device is in a first state and are a second distance from one another when the device is in a second state, the first distance different from the second distance.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gang Xu
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Publication number: 20130286667Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for securing a light fixture in place. In one aspect, the light fixture can be configured to retain an LED-based light engine, which may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional light engines. In another aspect, the light fixture can be configured to be installed in a pre-cut aperture in a structural member, such as a ceiling, soffit, or wall. In another aspect, the light fixture may include a serrated upper edge configured to cut into a structural member to form an aperture, without the need to pre-cut the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey B. Sampsell, Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
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Publication number: 20130286661Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus relating to implementations of an electrically controlled light conditioning sheet. In one aspect, the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet includes a planar electrode having a first conductor and a second conductor and a transmissive elastic layer. The transmissive elastic layer is configured to deform in response to a potential difference applied between the first and the second conductor and produce regions of optical refractive power. The angular spread and/or the radiation pattern of an incoming beam of light incident on the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet is altered by the action of the regions of optical refractive power produced by the applied potential difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
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Publication number: 20130286684Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for array illumination. In one aspect, an array of light engines is coupled to a support structure. Each light engine can be separately controlled to achieve a desired output beam. In another aspect, a support structure includes an array of LED emitters. The support structure is configured to removably receive a plurality of light guides over the array of LED emitters, thereby forming an array of light engines. The support structure can include an integrated heat sink in thermal communication with the array of LED emitters. Light from the LED emitters is distributed over the surface of the light guides to produce a desired output beam. The light engines can be configured to produce output beams of differing color, direction, shape and/or size.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matt Sampsell
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Publication number: 20130286653Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for a multi-beam light engine. In one aspect, a light source is coupled with an optical film such that light emitted from the light source passes through the optical film. The optical film can be a composite film including one or more sections, each of which is configured to operate differently on the input beam emitted from the light source. The optical film can be configured to produce one or more output beams of differing color, direction, and/or beam width.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matt Sampsell
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Publication number: 20130278998Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems (EMS) resonator structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a device includes an evanescent-mode electromagnetic-wave cavity resonator. In some implementations, the cavity resonator includes a lower cavity portion and an upper cavity portion that together form a volume. The cavity resonator also includes an in-plane lithographically-defined resonator structure having a portion that is located at least partially within the volume to support one or more evanescent electromagnetic wave modes. In some implementations, an upper surface of the resonator structure is connected with the upper cavity portion while a lower mating surface is connected with the lower cavity portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Philip Jason Stephanou, Sang-June Park, Ravindra V. Shenoy
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Publication number: 20130278568Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for metal-insulator-metal capacitors on glass substrates. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a glass substrate, with the glass substrate defining at least one via in the glass substrate. A first electrode layer may be disposed over surfaces of the glass substrate, including surfaces of the at least one via. A dielectric layer may be disposed on the first electrode layer. A second electrode layer may be disposed on the dielectric layer, with the dielectric layer electrically isolating the first electrode layer from the second electrode layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Jon Bradley Lasiter, Ravindra V. Shenoy, Donald William Kidwell
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Publication number: 20130278611Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for providing illumination. In one aspect, a light guide can be configured to propagate light received from a light source. The light can be propagated by total internal reflection (TIR) within the light guide. The light guide can include an output surface configured to output light and one or more light extraction elements, which are configured to redirect the light propagating in the light guide so that the light exits the light guide through the output surface. The light guide can have tapered side walls that are configured to at least partially collimate the light that is to exit out of the output surface. In some implementations, the light guide can be used to provide illumination for display devices, other electromechanical systems, or for lighting a room or task area.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Holman
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Publication number: 20130278609Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems (EMS) resonator structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a device includes an evanescent-mode electromagnetic-wave cavity resonator. In some implementations, the resonator includes an isotropically-etched cavity operable to support one or more evanescent electromagnetic wave modes. In some implementations, the resonator also includes a cavity ceiling arranged to form a volume in conjunction with the isotropically-etched cavity. In some implementations, the resonator also includes a capacitive tuning structure having a portion that is located at least partially within the volume so as to support the evanescent electromagnetic wave modes. In some implementations, a distal surface of the tuning structure is separated from the closest surface to it by a gap distance, a resonant electromagnetic wave mode of the cavity resonator being dependent at least partially on the gap distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Philip Jason Stephanou, Sang-June Park, Ravindra V. Shenoy
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Publication number: 20130278846Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing illumination in, for example, a display device. One or more light emitters can emit light into a light guide plate that is configured to distribute the light across an array of display elements. A substantially etendue-preserving reflector between the light emitters and the light guide can at least partially collimate light propagating in a single plane of collimation. In some implementations, a lenticular film, or other optical elements, can be used to increase divergence of the light in a plane orthogonal to the plane of collimation. The light guide can include light extraction elements, which can be frusta-shaped features for turning light out of the light guide for illuminating the display. In some implementations, a flexible electrical interconnection circuit can be used to provide power and/or signals to the light emitters, thereby providing a flexible circuit illumination system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
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Publication number: 20130278610Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems (EMS) resonator structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a device includes an evanescent-mode electromagnetic-wave cavity resonator that includes a cavity operable to support one or more evanescent electromagnetic wave modes. The resonator includes a cavity ceiling arranged to form a volume in conjunction with the cavity. The resonator also includes a capacitive tuning structure. In some implementations, the resonator also includes a post top positioned at a distal surface of the capacitive tuning structure. In some implementations, the post top has a dimension that is larger than a corresponding dimension of the capacitive tuning structure. In some implementations, a distal surface of the post top is separated from a surface by a gap distance, a resonant electromagnetic wave mode of the cavity resonator being dependent at least partially upon the gap distance and the dimension of the post top.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Philip Jason Stephanou, Sang-June Park, Ravindra V. Shenoy
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Publication number: 20130278612Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing illumination in, for example, a display device. One or more light emitters can emit light into a light guide plate that is configured to distribute the light across an array of display elements. A substantially etendue-preserving reflector between the light emitters and the light guide can at least partially collimate light propagating in a single plane of collimation. In some implementations, a lenticular film, or other optical elements, can be used to increase divergence of the light in a plane orthogonal to the plane of collimation. The light guide can include light extraction elements, which can be frusta-shaped features for turning light out of the light guide for illuminating the display. In some implementations, a flexible electrical interconnection circuit can be used to provide power and/or signals to the light emitters, thereby providing a flexible circuit illumination system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
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Publication number: 20130278542Abstract: A touch sensor may include a digital resistive touch (DRT) sensor architecture that is substantially free of air gaps. The DRT touch sensor may include a layer of force-sensitive resistor (FSR) material on an array of row and column electrodes. The electrodes may be formed on a substantially transparent substrate. Near the intersection of each row and column, one or more thin transparent patterned conductive bridges may be situated above the FSR. The conductive bridges may be configured for electrical connection with row and column electrodes when force is applied to the conductive bridge or surface of the touch sensor. Some touch sensors may include both DRT and projected capacitive touch (PCT) functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Philip Jason Stephanou, Nicholas Ian Buchan, David William Burns, Kristopher Andrew Lavery, Srinivasan Kodaganallur Ganapathi
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Publication number: 20130279197Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for providing illumination for lighting systems. One or more light emitters can be disposed about a longitudinal axis, such as in an at least partial polygonal shape, so that the light sources emit light radially outwardly away from the longitudinal axis. A collimating reflector can be disposed radially outward of the one or more light emitters and can be configured to at least partially collimate the light and to substantially preserve etendue of the light emitted from the light emitters. The one or more light emitters can substantially fill an input aperture of the collimating reflector in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The light can be coupled into a light guide, which can be configured to distribute the light to a target lighting area.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Holman
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Publication number: 20130278359Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems (EMS) resonator structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a method includes providing a first substrate and a second substrate. In some implementations, the first substrate includes a cavity ceiling, an array of dielectric spacers, and an assembly platform arranged adjacent the array of dielectric spacers opposite the cavity ceiling surface. The assembly platform includes a plurality of post tops. In some implementations, the second substrate has an array of cavities and an array of resonator posts. In some implementations, the method includes mating the first substrate with the second substrate, connecting the post tops with the posts to form an array that includes a plurality of evanescent-mode electromagnetic wave cavity resonators, wherein at least a statically-defined magnitude of a gap distance between the distal surface of each post top and the cavity ceiling is defined by the dielectric spacers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Philip Jason Stephanou, Sang-June Park, Ravindra V. Shenoy
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Publication number: 20130271437Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, related to an electronic device having a display, a spectrum sensing arrangement, and a display controller. The spectrum sensing arrangement includes a photodiode, a first portion of the photodiode being configured to generate a first signal, the first signal being responsive to an intensity of ambient visible light, and a second portion of the photodiode being configured to generate a second signal, the second signal being representative of an intensity of ambient infrared light. The display controller, in communication with the spectrum sensing arrangement, makes a comparison of the first signal and the second signal and controls the display so as to dynamically adjust a color bias of the display responsive to the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James Randolph Webster, Marek Mienko
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Publication number: 20130271438Abstract: For a personal electronic device (PED) having a display, the display including a cover glass having a front surface and a back surface, the PED includes a driver circuit configured to send at least one signal to the display and an ambient light sensor (ALS). Each of the driver circuit and the ALS is disposed behind the back surface of the cover glass. The ALS and the driver circuit may reside on a single substrate, which is disposed adjacent to the back surface of the cover glass. The ALS may output signals to the driver circuit that are indicative of ambient light level and one or both of ambient light spectrum and ambient light direction. The driver circuit may be configured to automatically adjust, in response to the signals, one or both of a display color bias and a display luminescence.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Koorosh Aflatooni
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Patent number: 8560258Abstract: Methods and devices to measure voltage margins of electromechanical devices are disclosed. The voltage margins are determined based on responses to test voltages which cause the devices to change states. State changes of the devices are detected by monitoring integrated current or charge used to drive the devices with the test voltages.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alok Govil, Kostadin Djordjev, Alan Lewis, Wilhelmus Johannes Robertus Van Lier
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Publication number: 20130265764Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for lighting devices. In one aspect, a lighting device includes a light engine and a connection portion. The connection portion can include a first end coupled to the light engine and a base connector disposed at the second end of the connection portion. In some implementations, the connection portion has a length dimension that is adjustable between at least a first length that positions the base connector at a first position relative to the light engine and a second length that positions the base connector at a second position relative to the light engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell